Sustainable urban drainage (SuDS) are at the forefront of drainage design, whether for a Greenfield development or redevelopment of an existing site. The implementation of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 – (Schedule 3 FWMA) reinforces the important role SuDS has for the continuing growth of an urban environment. It is therefore key that SuDS form part of any future development proposals.
SuDS is a key part of any development proposal
SuDS features can take many forms, including: Ponds; swales; porous car park / surfacing; green roofs; filter strips; rain water harvesting; channels and rills; filter trenches; infiltration basins; infiltration trenches; detention basins; retention ponds; wetlands and underground storage tanks
Our Engineers are experienced in the design and subsequent adoption of SuDS systems. We have the specialist knowledge to provide advice and assistance from inception, throughout the planning process onto detailed design securing adoption and providing support during construction.
The benefits of SuDS
The use of SuDS has extensive benefits including: reducing flood risk, improving water quality, enhancing amenity and biodiversity, improving water resource efficiency and providing community and recreational enhancements. The aim of SuDS is to mimic the natural drainage process.
Early involvement in the design process is key to ensuring that the SuDS ethos is fully integrated within project proposals, ensuring a smooth planning and adoption process. It is our experience that SuDS often influence an entire scheme and is more difficult to implement at a later stage. Pinnacle’s early involvement helps deliver a successful planning application providing a design that is fully compliant with current legislation.
Important SuDS legislation
Schedule 3 of the FWMA specifically addresses SuDS. Whilst the Act called for the establishment of a SuDS Approving Body (SAB) to be set up; this has subsequently been “watered down”.
Instead, in Early 2015 Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFA’s) were stabilised, under the direction of the Planning authority. The LLFA is now responsible approval of all new drainage systems for new and redeveloped sites to be obtained before construction commences. Their requirements will “trump” those of the water board, in terms of allowable discharge from sites.
